After three years of referrals and waiting weeks for specialist visits with my HMO (like the time I needed a dermatologist for a weird rash), I switched to a PPO last month and saw a dermatologist in 3 days. The premium difference is about $80 more per month, but honestly the time saved is worth it for me. Has anyone else found that paying more upfront actually saves you money in the long run?
I was dead set against high deductible plans for years. My broker in Austin sat me down last month and showed me how my premiums would drop by $180 a month with an HSA. She calculated my actual doctor visits from the past 3 years and I was paying way more in premiums than I would have out of pocket. Now I'm kicking myself for ignoring her for 2 years. Anyone else get convinced to switch by running the real numbers?